Relay For Life wraps up tonight

June 12, 2014

Morning News-Lisa Lete
It's the one week of the year when the town gets painted purple. Local businesses are showing support for Bingham County "Relay For Life" by painting their storefronts and tying purple ribbons on the street light poles. Local Remax Realtor Susan Caldwell said she and the staff at Remax enjoy "getting into the spirit of the event" and supporting a cause that helps fund cancer research. The event kicks off this evening at Blackfoot High School's football field, at 6 p.m.

The purple window paintings, purple ribbons and even purple t-shirts are evident throughout town this week, as the community show its support for this year's Bingham County "Relay For Life." The all-night event kicks off this evening on Blackfoot High School's football field with entertainment by Les Merle starting at 5 p.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 6.
Organizers have worked hard all year to pull of this annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Event chair, Joyce Dalley, who is a cancer survivor, emphasized that this event is "more than just an evening walk around the track."
"Relay is a time to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember those who have lost the battle and inspire those who are still fighting," she said. "It's also a place for friendship and for those who have shared the cancer experience to hope, healing and camaraderie."
Nearly 40 teams have been fundraising for the event and many of the teams with have booths set up with food, family fun and prizes throughout the evening.
"There's something for everyone," Dalley said. "Food booths, face painting for the kids, treats, prizes...flowers for cancer survivors and even fast pitch for those with a competitive nature."
Trudy Evans of Blackfoot said, "I am going. I can't wait to go and be there for those we have lost and for those who fighting; and of course, for the survivors who have triumphed. We need to beat this horrible, deadly disease for future generations."
Relay For Life will conclude with closing ceremonies at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a clean-up session.